"Freedom" in "The Foundations of the Earth"

     As I continue to narrow down ideas for my final paper topic which addresses avian imagery, I seem to latch on to every story that contains birds. In “The Foundations of the Earth” by Randall Kenan, not only does Kenan focus on sexual and biblical tensions, but he also incorporates a sense of cognitive freedom from certain religious restraints which Maggie eventually develops. Maggie is introduced to the reader as a traditionally conservative God-fearing woman. However, she makes a cognitive transformation to try to understand matters that go against conservative Christian ideals when she chooses to accept Edward’s sexuality. Maggie’s acceptance of Edward frees her of certain moral dilemmas between right and wrong in the Bible. Maggie’s transition towards the acceptance of Edward and Gabriel’s sexuality gives her freedom from religious restraints when Kenan writes, “Maggie MacGowan Williams woke the next morning to the harsh chatter of a bluejay chasing a mockingbird just outside her window” (59). The avian imagery of a “bluejay” and “mockingbird” represent freedom as they cut through the sky. I believe the freedom in which the “bluejay” and “mockingbird”exist is reflected in Maggie’s decision to accept Edward’s sexuality which gives her a freer state of mind.